Kanimozhi joins students’ protest in Chennai demanding withdrawal of SIR, CEC Kumar’s removal

Chennai: DMK deputy general secretary and Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi on Friday joined a student protest in the city demanding withdrawal of the SIR of electoral rolls and the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Addressing the protesters, Kanimozhi alleged that around 13 crore citizens across the country and nearly 74 lakh people in Tamil Nadu had lost their right to vote due to the SIR exercise.

"In Tamil Nadu alone, around 74 lakh voters have lost their voting rights due to SIR. Even in the Kolathur constituency represented by our party chief (M K Stalin), reports suggest that nearly one lakh names were struck off the rolls, whereas legitimate deletions should not have exceeded 20,000," she said.

Accusing the BJP-led union government of undermining democratic institutions, secular values and constitutional principles, Kanimozhi alleged that the ruling dispensation was using electoral processes to weaken the Opposition, particularly regional parties that champion state autonomy and federal rights.

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Kanimozhi accuses BJP of undermining democracy

"Whenever someone questions their policies, they label them 'anti-national'. The BJP regime has systematically destroyed constitutional ethos. They have reduced parliamentary sittings because they lack faith in democracy. The PM rarely attends Parliament, avoids Question Hour, and frequently visits foreign countries when the House is in session," she alleged.

Criticising the mechanism for appointing election commissioners, Kanimozhi described it as an "eyewash". "The panel comprises two members from the ruling dispensation and one Leader of Opposition. In a 2:1 ratio, the dissenting voice of the opposition leader is conveniently overridden.

They select individuals who will toe their line, and when genuine grievances are raised, action comes long after the damage is done," she further claimed. Expressing solidarity with student groups and youth-led protests in New Delhi, Kanimozhi said young people across the country had come forward to fight for free and fair elections.

"When people almost lost hope, the youth stood up and made the government bend. Today, the nation's youth have taken up this cause, seeking justice, restoration of cancelled voter registrations, and demanding that Gyanesh Kumar step down," she said.

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Kanimozhi vows to continue SIR protest

"The DMK, under our party president, was the first to warn about the dangers of SIR, and we will firmly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the protesting students until every disenfranchised voter is restored to the list," Kanimozhi added. During the demonstration, student groups raised slogans demanding the withdrawal of SIR and the removal of Gyanesh Kumar.

They also chanted "Inquilab Zindabad" and "Jai Bhim" and raised slogans in support of social justice. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the protest, Kanimozhi was asked about the CEC's refusal to resign despite the pressure. She said the protests would continue until accountability was ensured and the SIR exercise was withdrawn.